Swimming

We have affiliated with the Swim America program via the Nutmeg Swim Club of East Lyme, CT. Swim America is a national learn to swim program operated by the American Swimming Coaches Association. It is the state of the art learn to swim program in the world today. The program focuses mastery of swimming technique and safety on the water.

The Swim America program offers a logical teaching progression and builds a strong swimming foundation. New skills are introduced while constantly reviewing previously mastered strokes. Students will advance and have the swimming skills to be safe in and around the water. In addition, we offer an Advanced Swim class for those who have completed the Swim America levels. Additional information appears after the Swim America description.

Swimmers in levels 1-6 will be given goals to achieve skill mastery. Swimmers will receive recognition for advancement made on a weekly basis. Instruction will be flexible to allow progression in the program over the course of the summer. Swimming instruction will take place both in the water and on the beach. During the first week of class, swimmers will be placed in the appropriate level based on skill. Although a participant may advance during the summer, the time of their class will not change. Different levels are offered simultaneously to allow movement and growth.

Levels 1-2: Floats and Glides: Approximate age 5-6

Water adaptation

Blowing bubbles

Facial submersion

Front glide recovery

Levels 3-4: Kickers and Crawlers: Approximate age 5-9

Porpoising, kicking front and back

Front crawl 20 feet no breathing

Side glide kick

Levels 5-6: Freestylers and Backstrokers: Approximate age 7-12+

Crawl stroke with synchronized breathing

Back crawl stroke

Diving

Advanced Swim: This class is designed to offer additional swimming instruction for those who have successfully completed level six of the Swim America program. This class will focus on advanced skill-set, refinement of stroke techniques, and also introduce basic lifesaving skills. Participants will engage in stroke drills to improve their technique and endurance as a swimmer. This class is open to all swimmers who have successfully completed level six (whether at GLPYC or elsewhere) but want to continue to improve his/her swimming. This is another opportunity, in addition to the competitive swim program, for our advanced swimmers. This class will be led by our Swim America liaison.

Competitive Swim

We offer a competitive swim program for more advanced swimmers. You must be at least eight years of age to participate. Competitive Swim will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. at South Beach, unless prior notice is given. Advanced swimming strokes and techniques, starts, flip turns, advanced diving (conditional on tides) and competition etiquette will be taught during this time. Focus will be on preparing swimmers for participation at a competitive level. There is a possibility of having an inter-club competition scheduled during the summer.

Swimming for Fitness

We will offer a swimming for fitness program for our older advanced swimmers, ages thirteen to adult. This class will focus on swim endurance, fitness swim/aquatic exercise, and swimming as cross training for other sports, as well as identifying currents, water safety precautionary measures and how to recognize and assist distressed swimmers. This class is not intended for lifesaving certification nor does it take the place of such a certification program. Class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. Class will initially meet at Main Beach.